[USS Chimera] SD: 240908.29 || [Charlie Group] Necessary Actions Part 2 ||

Darrell Smith <erassianalliance@googlemail.com> wrote to chimera@ucip.org:

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Start Log
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*** Admiral's Bridge, EAS Hermes, Outside the R'veras System ***

"I know its not desirable to leave people there to die but it is

necessary. As a former ship Captain you know it's sometimes necessary

to sacrifice a crewman to save the ship. As a General it's worse you

have to bear the burden of responsibility for not just one ship but

many and plan not just for the coming battle, but for the one after

that and the one after that. Beyond that I have not just the lives of

the people in the fleet riding on this but the lives of the twelve

billion citizens of the Alliance on my shoulders. As the great

Athenian General Alcibiades once said 'I follow a goddess and her name

is Necessity'. Hate me if you must Captain, have the families of

those people sue me and the entire Alliance but there will be no

rescue mission." Viktor said forcibly his all green eyes boring into

the Starfleet Officer in front of him.

The Starfleet captain did not flinch. "As a Starfleet Captain I have
learned to expect the unexpected. You may not think highly of
Starfleet Officers, General, but we are a resourceful group of
individuals. I believe they may yet survive." Chisulo replied. "I will
wait until the conclusion of this operation to write any letters of
condolence. Now, is there anything I can help you with in preparation
for the battle that awaits us?"

"Your job for the battle is to remain here aboard the Hermes on the
Admirals Bridge and monitor the battle situation. If you spot
something we don't spot or think of a good strategy, speak up. I may
not be the biggest fan of Starfleet thinking but it is different from
how Alecto and I were trained and subsequently how I trained the
current CO's in the Military. From a film Alecto has told me about
there's a quote 'If you overspecialize you breed in weakness'. For
now I'll go over the battle plan with you Captain." Viktor spoke
ignoring Chisulo's opinion on the survival likelihood of the Starfleet
troops as he didn't know what they were about to deploy.

"Yes, sir." Chisulo nodded, and followed behind the General as her walked past.

Viktor led the way into the map room to the rear of the Admirals
Bridge. He indicated a display table which had a holographic
topographical map of the Romulan Supply Base "Phase One of the
operation is to destroy the Supply Base on the surface of R'Veras V.
To do this as efficiently and quickly as possible we will utilize the
four Z-105 Shadows that you brought with you to infiltrate the area
under cloak to take out the four primary power generators
simultaneously rendering the base's shields and weapons offline. This
initial strike will be followed up with the Bomber Units dropping an
assortment of Ground Penetrating and Air-burst High Yield Fusion Bombs
each weighing in at about 5 Gigatonnes to destroy both the surface and
underground aspects of the base. They will be accompanied by 6 M-35A
Squadrons for defense against enemy fighters. Meanwhile we will be
dealing with the 5 Romulan Guard Ships and 4 Defence Platforms in
orbit."

Chisulo listened intently to the General's words. It was wise to
target the shield generators with the stealth fighters as most Romulan
attention would be focused on the defense of their orbital platforms.
The large fleet ships had significantly less stealth capability than
the Z-105 squadron and would probably be detected soon after they
dropped out of warp.

"What class of Romulan ship are we expected to encounter, General?"
Chisulo asked. Starfleet Intelligence tended to stay out of the way of
Erassian's equivalent agency. As such, Erassians had a better feel for
what the enemy force was like in the sector.

"Two retrofitted D'Derex Class Warbirds and Three Venator Class
Warbirds. The biggest problem to us will be the Defense Platforms but
we have agents in place to help us with those ones. Phase two of the
operation is to set up an ambush for the retaliatory forces the
Romulans will send in to attempt to retake the system to do this we'll
position the ships in the nearby asteroid belt in the system but leave
just enough breadcrumbs to lure them to us." Viktor replied.

Chisulo nodded. Five Romulan warships would be no match for the fleet
that Viktor had brought. But it was unlike the Romulans to leave a
supply base like this unprotected. The tactical advisor suspected that
the Romulans had a few surprises.

"Are their any scorpion or scorpion II squadrons on the planet
itself?" Chisulo asked.

"10 Squadrons of Scorpions and 1 Squadron of Scorpion II's, I've
assigned an Elite Squadron of M-35A's to take care of the S2's and
they'll have a unit of Interceptor Drones as backup." Viktor
answered.

Chisulo nodded. "Everything looks to be in order, General. Of course,
I would like to review the details and the latest intelligence reports
before I present my final analysis."

Viktor nodded. "You'll have them Captain."

-------------
End Log
-------------

Captain Tedros Chisulo
1TF Tactical Advisor
SB 234: Unity

General Viktor Ivanov
2nd Fleet CO
EAS Hermes

[USS Chimera] SD: 240908.29 Personal Log, Maj. Anya Xerxes, WCO

Darrell Smith <erassianalliance@googlemail.com> wrote to chimera@ucip.org:

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Start Log
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Anya returned from her trip to update the XO on the preparations for
the mission. She strolled onto the floor of Hangar Bay 2 and looked
at the array of the parked M-35A fighters. It didn't look like anyone
was around which was a bit disappointing but then again, she had told
them to get some sack time as top priority.

Looking again over the black fighters it seemed barely any time since
they had been in prototype testing as the AX-01 Broadsword although at
that time the main gun was a simple Type 30 Plasma Pulse Cannon,
simple yet deadly. That had gone on to be the M-35, the later update
was the A1.3G Arclight Plasma Cannon immensely overpowering the
previous main gun making the M-35A far deadlier than it's predecessor.

The way Starfleet and SSF reports always reported her AX-01 Broadsword
in both it's variations as the M-35 and M-35A was in terms of their
large firepower compared to other fighters. In reality though the
true crowning glory of the AX-01 Broadsword was it's maneuverability
both in space through the 24 multivector thruster array which made it
good but it was her own contributions in the shape of the polyform
adaptive aerodynamics and variable wing geometry which in an
atmosphere made it unsurpassable. It handled like nothing else in an
atmosphere.

She ascended the stairs to the gantry above the the Flight Control
Office and leaned on the railing overlooking the deck. She lit a
cigarette and after taking a luxurious draw watched the lazy coils of
smoke drifting upwards. A voice sounded behind her it's familiarity
bringing a nostalgic smile to her face. "You know those things will
kill you?"

"They can join the queue behind the Romulans, Breen, Muhareem, Red
Aces, Solrin Seperatists and a whole lot of others I've pissed off in
my life. What brings you out so late Joe? You of all people I doubt
are having trouble sleeping." Anya looked sideways at the man joining
her leaning on the rail. Captain Joe Reynolds, Squadron Leader of the
Windhover Squadron, the M-35A's now sitting on the deck below them.
His lustrous blonde hair and natural good looks and charm had wooed
many women in the past, she was almost getting a headache thinking
about how many female crew members he would likely impregnate before
Windhover Squadron's stint with Chimera was done.

"I had a question I wanted to ask you Anya, something that's been on
my mind for a while." He said looking at her with his piercing blue
eyes.

"I'm not going to shag you Joe..." Anya replied automatically taking a draw.

He laughed "No that wasn't it, we know each other too well for that
Stormchild. The aftermath would be...uncomfortable. What I wanted to
ask you was...why is it you originally wanted to fly?"

"Damn Joe, of all the questions I expected you to ask that wasn't one
of them. Its an oddly philosophical question for you...you must be
getting into theology in your dotage." She said as she turned to look
at him directly. "We were wingmates for years and that's the deepest
thing I ever heard you say. I suppose the reason I first got into
flying was for the feeling of freedom from attachments, from the pain
and suffering of existence. I could rise above and be untouched by
it."

"Still feel that way?" He enquired.

"To a small extent, yeah." She replied. "The battles we fight, each
one takes a little part of your soul in the end leaving you with
nothing." As she said it she felt old old and tired beyond her years.

"Are they ready for it?" He gestured around at the ship. "Are they
ready to become monsters like us?"

Anya allowed pause before replying quietly "No they're not. They
think they can get out with their hands clean. Give it time and the
war will wear them down. They'll have more blood on their hands than
they want soon enough."

Anya took a long slow draw and took a minute working through her
thoughts. "Just out of curiosity..." She said in her normal voice.
"...Why was it you became a pilot?"

She received a grin in return "Truthfully, I thought it would be a
good way to get laid."

Anya rolled her eyes "I should have guessed."

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End Log
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Major Anya Xerxes
Wing CO
USS Chimera - C

Captain (E) Joe Reynolds
Squadron CO
USS Chimera - C

[USS Chimera] SD:240908.28 Joint Personal Log Cdr.Rick Rodgers,CEO & LtCdr.MaiKai Rodgers

=Rick and MaiKai Rodgers' Quarters=
=Starbase UNITY=
 

Rick arrived from work that evening and saw Mai in the 'den' looking over something on the computer.
 
"Hey, sweetheart," Rick said, coming up from behind, leaning forward and kissing her on the right cheek. "How was your day?"
 
"It was great," she smiled up at Rick.  She really didn't feel so great, but whenever Rick was around she really did feel all the better and didn't feel it necessary to complain.
 
"My day was OK. Nothing out of the ordinary," Rick paused for a moment. "I did have a blackout today."
 
Mai's expression changed instantly. "You what?! Are you okay? Do you need to lie down?"  Mai started to stand up from her chair, but was struggling a bit.  Maybe she should stay seated awhile.

Rick shook his head.
 
"It was no big deal. In fact, it only lasted a few seconds," Rick said, kneeling next to her.
 
"I don't believe you.  I don't have my medkit here. We'll have to go to sickbay," again Mai tried to stand, but realized it was useless unless Rick was going to help her.
 
"You know as well as I do that doctors can not do anything about the blackouts, so it doesn't do any good to go to sickbay. Besides, I felt this one coming on just seconds before it actually happened. So, I knew what was going to happen. Maybe I can somehow use that to my advantage."
 
All MaiKai could do was 'eye' her husband by raising one eyebrow.  She knew that was a line of bullshit.
 
"I'll be OK," Rick looked into her eyes. "I'm not putting myself in any dangerous situations, so when they do occur, I'll be able to manage."
 
Mai just folded her arms.  She had been a CMO aboard a ship before and knew what was best for her husband, but decided it was a winless battle for both parties and so she just sat back.
 
Rick looked back into the main living area then back at Mai.
 
"Where's Rachel?"
 
"She's staying over at a friend's place.  She met them through school," Mai tried to force a smile.  She realized a change of subject in the conversation was needed.
 
"Really? So, it's just you and me tonight," Rick smiled.
 
MaiKai put a hand to her stomach.  "Well, not just the two of us..."

"Oh, yes. And you too," Rick looked at Mai's belly. "Well, after I make us some dinner, why don't we spend some real quality time together."
 
"We'll see," Mai teased as she grabbed onto Rick's outstretched arms to help her stabilize herself as she stood up.
 

-=-     -=-     -=-     -=-     -=- 
 
Later that night, or early the next morning ...
 
Rick laid in bed asleep with Mai's arm draped over his chest. He was awaken by the chirp on the comm badge laying on the table next to the bed.
 
'Please tell me it's not as early as I think it is," Rick thought as he reached over and picked up the badge.
 
"Commander Rodgers here," Rick whispered, still a little weary. "What is it?"
 
"Sir, there has been an explosion at explosives cargo bay 3. We've been told to inform all of the department heads."
 
'Explosion!' Rick thought.
 
"All right, I'll be in my office in 15 minutes. Rodgers out."
 
Rick looked over at Mai, who was looking up at him.
 
"I'm sorry, honey, but I've gotta go," Rick said.
 
"Of course you do..." Mai removed her arm draped over Rick's chest and tried to pivot on her side to face the opposing side.

 

Rick slowly, reluctantly dragged himself out of bed. As quietly as possible, he went to the closet and pulled out a uniform. After he was dressed, he returned to bed and gave Mai one last kiss before leaving for his office.

 

Rick was trying to use his weight to push himself back off the bed so he could leave, but at the last second Mai pulled him back down for one last kiss before he had to go to work.  "You didn't think you were getting away that easy..."

 

 

= End Log=

 

Commander Rick Rodgers

Chief Engineering Officer

SB UNITY

 

&

 

Lieutenant Commander MaiKai Rodgers

Pediatrics Doctor

SB UNITY

---

[USS Chimera] SD 240908.28 || BETA || JL || Capt Rojac & Lt Vaughn (NPC) ||

[Deck 12, ODCC (Operations Department Control Center), USS Chimera-C]

Ian was in Jade's office going over some paper work. He should have been sleeping after he pulled a double shift on the bridge but there was a lot of paper work he still had to deal with. Most of it was from the QM, Sgt Vera Drake, mainly with where the supplies were going and how they were being used. He then signed off on them and put them in the "done" pile which was getting to be the same height as the undone pile. Sighing, Ian took another one off the stack.

Captain Rojac approached the doors to the Operations Department Control Center and ordered the guards at ease. The Operations department had performed well in Walter's first battle simulation, but Rojac wanted a personal opinion from the department's acting Chief. He walked through the ODCC, ignoring the looks of the officers in attendance, and headed for the Chief's door.

Ian quickly stood up as the CO walked in, "greetings sir." Ian said moving the stacks of PADDs out of the way so when they were sitting they could see each other. "Please have a seat," Ian said indicating to the open chair, "can I get you anything to drink?" Ian also offered.

"Coffee. Black." Rojac said a he took the seat. "And thank you, Lieutenant."

"Computer two black coffee's." Ian said as he waited he turned back to the Captain and gave him a nod seconds later the replicator spit out two black coffees, "here you are sir." Handing him the cup of coffee and then sitting back down.

Rojac picked up the mug and sipped at it's savory contents. He cradled the porcelain in his hands as he asked the acting Chief his first question. "Lieutenant, how well do you think your alpha shift performed in the simulation?"

"I think they did well but they need some more work on transferring power and anticipating the need to transfer the power." Ian said knowing that usually comes with time and being in situations where it is required, "also they need some work with communicating with other departments while doing something at the same time. But I think these skills will have to happen over time rather then simulation after simulation." Ian added.

Cropa nodded. "You are right. Anticipation is a skill learned from experience." He placed a mug on the table. "Well then, how about the diagnostics on the stealth plating? How are the new power supply systems adjusting to the change?"

"We're on still working on finding the right amount of power they need but when we need them they'll work but we might need to do some adjustments here and there." Ian said producing a PADD with some of the numbers, graphs and other things that helped show how they were utilizing the power supplies.

Cropa glanced at the padd for a few moments. "Good work, Lieutenant." He stood from the chair. "Well lets get this inspection going. Show me the nerve center, Lieutenant."

"Of course." Ian said putting his coffee cup down and walking over to the door and allowing the Captain exit first, "right now I have two teams running diagnostics on the stealth armor trying to find that ideal energy output." Ian said pointing over at two large consoles with about 8 people working at them. "I also have Sgt Drake working with medical getting the areas that you wanted to be the trauma centers her and her teams should be done by tomorrow morning." Ian said trying to think what else he has the department doing.

"At this point in time thats all I have them doing besides the routine diagnostics and system checks." Ian said looking around there was not one person not doing anything and thats usually how it was even if everyone is doing paper work or system checks. This is was one of the main reason why Ian joined the operations department mainly because you never ran out of things to do.

The Captain peered over a Specialist's shoulder, surveying his progress on the stealth armor diagnostics. The specialist didn't looked the least bit bothered by his presence, perhaps because he was too engrossed in his work. Rojac smiled as he watched the stream of readouts and analyses scroll down the non-com's screen. After a moment he turned around with his hands on his hips back toward Vaughn. 

"Well, everything looks in order." He glanced around the room once more. "What other preparations are being made for the mission? Does Major Xerxes require any further supplies? Will Science have enough access to the long-range sensors as we approach?"

"As for other preparations we're monitoring the warp drive making sure that it's getting optimal power the same with weapons and sensors." Ian said realizing that there was still some departments he needed to speak to see what kind of power for example science, "I haven't had a chance to speak with the science department and as for Major Xerxes I haven't heard from her or have had the chance to speak with her but I'll start on that right away." Ian said making mental notes of things he needed to get done.

Rojac looked to Ian with a knowing smile. "Captain Reese left you some big shoes to fill, Lieutenant. But you're doing fine. Just remember that its not all on your shoulders. You have a good team beneath you, use them. They're paid for it." He planced his hands on his hips and took one more looka round the room. "Just have us ready for Red Alert tomorrow morning, and report to the bridge at 0900." He smiled, and shook Ian's hand before departing.

[End Log]

Captain Cropa Rojac
Commanding Officer

&

Lieutenant Ian Vaughn
Acting Chief of Operations
(apb: Aza)

USS Chimera NCC 96899-C

[USS Chimera] 240908.27 ||SB 234: UNITY|| Joint Duty Log, RAdm Shane Guzman and Capt. Trent Rodgers‏

=Explosives Cargo Bay 3 ... or what's left of it=
=Starbase UNITY=

After receiving word of the explosion that ripped through
the cargo bay, Trent arrived to discover a scene that had
become familiar, but never on a starbase. He had been
cleared by the backup security team and was searching for
the man who they said was in charge of the scene. After
making a few inquires with the main security detail, he was
directed to Sergeant Armstrong.

"Sergeant?" Trent said, walking up to the marine.

"Sir" the Sergeant snaped a salute when recognizing the TF
XO.

"What's your status?" Trent asked.

"Ax explosion occurred in the area just in front of the
explosives cargo bay three. We've found fragments of
non-Federation explosive device, they are just being
examined. Initial scans suggest that the explosive was or
organic origin. Nine causalities, seven fleet and marine
security personal, two unidentified yet. Li eutenant Mumacik
was the only survivor, he's just being beamed over to
sickbay. We have found 2LT. Nyx in this area, she was trying
to drag the Lieutenant out of the no-beam zone. She's been
send to sickbay as well … under guard till the
investigation is closed."

"Organic. That could explain how the weapon wasn't detected
by internal sensors," Trent thought outloud then focused his
attention again on the marine NCO. "How could they have
gotten such a weapon onto the starbase to begin with?"

"Can't say, sir" Armstrong replied, "Our science specialist,
Corporal Adams scanned the unknown explosive. He just said
it appear to be an explosive organic composite, but need
detailed scans"

"OK," Trent said as he looked at the devastation around him.
"What can you tell me about the events leading up to the
explosion?"

"Luckily, we have some basic idea what happened, cause LT.
Mumacik made a short note and one inq uiry through his PADD.
The note said that two maries from Support company Alpha
requested some explosives on behalf of an order from USS
Titan's CO. The inquiry was about a certain Corporal's
identity in Support Company Alpha. Results were negative, so
I suppose they were thieves, spies or terrorists. What
happened next is unclear, but the outcome is all around us"
he motioned around, at the damaged walls and the blood bath
from nine dead and ripped bodies.

"I don't know many thieves who would carry around organic
explosives and a terrorist would have found a more
high-profile target with their organic explosive," Trent
summarized to himself. "A spy may have done this, but any
trained operative would have known that security procedures
would have prevented them from gaining access to any
weapons, at least directly."

Trent looked around at the damage once more.

"Sergeant, keep me posted with anything else you come up
with. I'm sure intel will want to send their own team to
investigate, but I'd perfer to keep this a special forces
matter," Trent said, then saw Shane approach.

"Sir," Trent said.

Followed by a group of four security guards, Shane walked
in. Looking at the devastation around, he frowned. If this
was an accident, then someone has been VERY lax in safety
protocol. He was a bit surprised to see Trent here, but
Shane was glad that his XO was quick to react and on top of
things. "Captain" he nodded, "what the hell happened here?"
he asked.

Trent explained what Sergeant Armstrong had told him.

"Mumacik" Shane sighed. "I have at least 11 complaints about
him in my mailbox, but for this one time it looks like that
his stickiness to rules and procedures was of some good." He
frowned again and said: "No burglars would attempt to steal
explosives from a secure cargo bay … but I wonder where
the order came from Titan's CO here … and who could have
use of those explosives"< BR>
"My guess would be the Romulans," Trent said. "If anyone
c ould have gotten as far as they did, it would be them."

Nodding, Shane said: "Tal'shair would be indeed capable for
such an action, but somehow I don't think it's them.
Infecting the air circulation system with retro virus or
wiping out our main computer core, that's would be their
style … but stealing explosives?"

"They were trying to check out weapons from the cargo bay,
so this was likely not their main objective," Trent said.
"Lieutenant Mumacik can give us a better prospective of what
happened."

Shane frowned again: "Rangi was called to sickbay and as far
I can tell, Mumacik is critical. I am not sure that he can
be of any help for us at the moment. Looking at Trent, Shane
added: "Captain, have medical examining all the bodies.
Those unknown ones need to be identified. Then have
operations check internal sensors and all available logs. I
want to know who those guys were, when did they arrive at
UNITY and w here did they came from."

"Will do, sir. What about the weapon itself?"

"Have Science examine the biological components of the
explosive asap. If possible, have the whole station scanned
for such components. Who knows how many such organic
explosives is already on board. Have security double their
shifts for the next 48 hours. If needed, employ all
remaining MEF marines, but sensitive areas of this station
need to be protected"

"I've already ordered security on high alert. We'll search
this base from top to bottom and back up again."

Nodding, Shane thought how happy he was that Trent was not
like him when he was General Bretam's XO. If Bretam would
show up in a bombing site like just he did, Shane would have
personally lead him back to his quarters and lock him
inside. Of course … unless Bretam would say his favourite
sentence: "Captain's prerogative my dear Commander"

"We performed a internal scan o f the starbase a few days
ago," Trent continued. "It seems that Co mmander Utley and
perhaps others planted at least six survelliance devices
throughout the starbase. She was arrested and is currently
residing in the brig until JAG decides what to do with her."

"Hmmm" Shane said, "I havent had time to read your report
about UNITY's CEO arrestment yet, but do you think it could
be connected with this accident?"

"I don't know. At first I doubted it, but this seems like
too much of a coinidence."

"it is then possible that we have an enemy unit in disguise
here on UNITY. If that is true, then there are hard times in
front of us, Captain"

"Yes, sir. If it was the Romulans, then this could be the
start of renewed efforts against this facility and system.
It may even result in another attack. With many of our ships
assigned to Magna, we would not be in a good position if
that ends up being the case."

Nodding again, Shane replied: "Just too true, Captain. If we
should loo se UNITY for any reasons, our current offensive is
deemed to fail, cause lack of logistic support and spare
resources. The situation would be far more easy when we
could lock up the station and allow just military ships do
dock. Unfortunately, we have several thousand civilians on
board and it is the wish of Starfleet Command that UNITY
shall go on like before the war as long as possible." He
signed: "All right then, I'll head for the sickbay and you
please carry on"
 
Trent nodded as the CO and his security detail walked 
away. Just then, he saw a stretcher being carried out of
the main area of wreakage with a covered body. He saw a
charred arm slide out and  hanging over the side.
 
"Wait," Trent said as he walked over to the stretcher. He
lifted the arm and laid it back onto the stretcher, underneath
the cover. The XO then quietly nodded, allowing the two
crewmen moving the stretcher to continue on.
 
 
Rear Admiral Shane Guzman
SSF 1st Task Force Commanding officer
 
and
 
Captain Trent Rodgers (npc by Rick)
XO, 1st TF, SSF Command
XO, SB 234: UNITY
 

---

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[USS Chimera] SD 240908.27 || BRAVO || Personal Joint Log || Major Cortez + Commander Summers

=/-\= USS CHIMERA =/-\=

Cortez slumped into the soft cushion of the large chair next to his bed. There were still a few hours left till he would be leaving for the away mission and everything he could think of doing to prepare his team he had done. Now with only a little time left he ordered them all to get some rest before departure, partly because Cortez himself felt tired and could use a nap, but mainly because he wanted the away team to be rested as well.

Leaning his head back he caught glimpse of the light flashing on the computer in front of him. Pressing the button revealed a communication from Lieutenant Jayson King, a lab junkie he had met back on Starbase Unity. The message read as follows:

Richard,

It turns out your suspicions were correct, that sample you gave me was full of a substance called Lysergic Acid Diethylamide. Not sure how you got it but I'd be extra careful what you do with it.

Attached is a data file with more info.

- King

Richard shook his head, trying to get the nightmare out of his head......

(A few days ago, before the ship left Unity)

Cortez stepped into his office, it was the end of the day and a few hours since he'd had his chance meeting with Summers. For some reason or another she always had the ability to make Cortez desire a couple glasses of alcohol. Sitting at his desk he reached underneath to the secret compartment containing a small bottle of dark green liquid and a tumbler. It was a little trick he'd picked up from his old CO Jack Walsh, it seemed all Security Chiefs kept there stash in the same place.

The bottle was green but had no label.  Popping open the lid he poured himself a good sized dose and immediately gulped it down. It tasted disgusting, of course most good alcohol did. He blinked a second then immediately refilled his glass, "Down the hatch", he gasped as he swallowed that as well.  He guessed that it was some sort of strange alien alcohol he had never heard of before.  Its smell was very medicinal and thick.

Suddenly his eyes became heavy. A couple seconds later he closed his eyes and fell into a sleep...

"Get your feet of the desk!"

Her voice woke him from his dreams at the same moment as she gave his boots a hefty shove that caused his feet to fall off the end of the desk. "What do you think you're doing anyway?" she asked eyeing him as he righted himself from the almost toppled chair. " Sleeping on duty are we?"

Startled, Richard jumped up, in doing so his leg caught the side of the chair he was sitting in and knocked him off balance and onto the floor. "What the-", he managed to say as he pushed himself onto his feet. It took a second for his vision to clear enough to realize that Rangi Summers was standing in front of his desk. He wanted to scream at her, but all that seemed to come out was "How?.

"How what?" she asked looking down at him as he struggled to stand up. " Ohhh...you mean how did I get here?...through the door of course." She pointed to the closed door and the lowered shades at the windows. " Very cosy in here isn't it?" she asked giving him a sweet smile. " Aren't you going to ask me to sit down?"

"Uhh, yah", Richard said straightening his shirt and running his hand through his hair, "I should sit down", why the hell didn't someone warn me she was here, moving his chair to its spot he sat back down. As he looked up he noticed the bottle of alcohol still sitting in front of him, with en empty glass. "Excuse me", he said quickly as he fumbled for the items and slipped them away into the desk. "So, what can I do for you, Commander", he said as his attention was drawn to the window behind Rangi.

Rangi looked around for another chair. There was one pushed back against the wall but Cortez hadn't seemed to notice it so she looked back at him then perched herself on the edge of the desk.

" Just visiting." she said and at his astounded expression added " No..not really. I came to give you this." She laid a padd down in front of him.

At that point the giant stingray floating through space right outside his office window had flown off, along with the disbelief that permeated Richards face.  Shaking his head he grabbed the PADD and let his eyes adjust, after a few seconds he could make out the words. "THAT'S INSANE", his voice boomed. "You can't be Captain of the Chimera", he dropped the PADD, "You'll get us all killed!".

Rangi laughed as though amused by an extremely funny joke then suddenly she was silent and her eyes were hard as she stared at him. " I don't think that's the way to talk to your CO do you?" she asked then changed her mood again just as suddenly.

" Actually, Rojac thinks I'll be an excellent CO. He was quite keen for me to do it once he's had a little chat with Shane. They soon came to an agreement. He's packing even as we speak." She smiled to Cortez then frowned.

"Are you feeling ok?" she said "... you look very pale. Hang on." she hopped off the desk and bent down. " Now where do you keep it?" her muffled voice came then: " Aha...'here' it is!" She emerged a moment later holding the bottle. " I thought you'd have a little supply of...medication?" She grinned at him " Where did you get it from this time?" She undid the top and sniffed the contents jerking her head back suddenly and exclaiming " Oh!!" as she did so. She re screwed the top and dangled the bottle in front of him. " I think I'd better keep this don't you?" she asked and before he could answer, dropped the bottle into her bag. He hadn't noticed it before.

Richard's vision was going blurry again.  He shook his head and rubbed his eyes.  Was that a mouse running across the floor? No, it was a cat!.  What is a cat doing here?  Focus.  "No", he said.  "You've poisoned me!", he gasped at his throat, "And now your taking the evidence!",  he lunged towards the woman but only managed to find air as he came crashing into the wall.  He twisted around on the ground and looked up, she was still in the same place as before, except now it seemed she was laughing at him.

" I remember you when you were in ODA." she said " You've certainly slowed up since then. Its a good thing that the Admiral has given me personal charge of your teams don't you think?"  She tilted her head on one side and observed him for a moment.  " Yes...I think you need toughening up a bit." she continued "...so one hundred press ups and another hundred situps... fifty laps of the outer deck...with full battle gear of course...then down to the pool and say....one hundred lengths just to cool off." She smiled sweetly then walked around the desk until she was standing close to him. Next moment her face was within an inch of his own. " GO!!!" she yelled.

"NO!", Richard yelled as he jumped up from his seat at the desk.  He looked around real quick, no Summers...no rats..no giant stingray.  "It was a dream",  he sighed to himself as he slumped back into his chair.

(Back to the present)

Cortez pushed another button and saved all the info on the drug that had been in the alcohol, he then went to his dresser where the rest of it was located.  Pulling out the top drawer he lifted the bottle, slid it into a box and sealed the lid.  He then wrote the name, "Jack Walsh", and made a mental note to have it shipped to him once he got back to Starbase Unity.  He grinned wishing he could be there when he tried it.

Then, after placing the box back into the drawer and closing it he fell onto his bed and into a light, but much needed sleep.


=/-\= END LOG =/-\=

Major Richard Cortez
CSEC
USS Chimera

+

Commander Rangi Summers

(Played by Rangi)

[USS Chimera] SD 240908.27 | Joint Personal Log | Richard Sharpe & Chloe Merau

=/\= Begin Log =/\=

 

Chloe woke up at 0530, normal for her on a day she had duty. She didn't want to leave the warm bed but she did anyway. Richard was still asleep so she left him there. He could still sleep for a few more moments and she didn't want to bother him since he had been staying up lately. Going into the bathroom she tossed her shorts and t-shirt she slept in on the floor getting into the shower.

 

Spending a good amount of time in there, she grabed a towel wraping it around her before she got out. Leaving the bathroom, and her clothes on the floor too mind, she went into the bedroom. Keeping the towel around her with one hand she kneeled down and with the other started to shuffle about in her duffle for a clean pilot's uniform.

 

Richard sat up in bed. He’d been in that state where he was no longer asleep, but not really awake, and as a consequence, hadn’t wanted to get up. However, he was awake enough now to slink down the bed towards Chloe, and pull the back of the towel off, to let it fall open. He chuckled mischievously.

 

"Hey, it's cold!" She said somewhat upset with him, but not really. Grabbing her towel back she wrapped herself more securely this time then grabbed the uniform from her duffle. "What was that for?" She asked as she tossed her clean uniform on the bed, pulling her hair to one side over her shoulder. Her blonde hair was growing much longer than she normally kept it, which was very short. Now it was growing way past her shoulders.

 

“Fun?” He replied innocently.

 

Starting to braid her hair tightly in a complicated weave. She didn't want it to get tangled while she had her helmet during duty. She couldn't help being too mad at him. "If it wasn't so cold in here I wouldn't mind so much." She grumbled some. During the night she had woken up several times and told the computer to turn the temp up, but there seemed to be something wrong with it, because it still stayed the same cold temp.

 

Chloe had always hated being cold.

 

“Its not my fault its cold. They haven’t cracked the environmental control systems yet.” Richard grumped on the bed.

 

Sitting on the bed with her back twoard him as she finished with her hair she gave a sigh. "You should start getting ready. Duty shift starts soon for you too." She mentioned. Earlier her back hadn't been turned to him but now it was noticeable that there were black marks starting on the back of her neck going down her spine and was hidden farther under the towel around her. "They better get to fixing the enviromental controls soon or Im going to have to replicate another blanket.”

 

“Nag nag nag.” Richard said, getting off the bed and walking to the bathroom. “You’d think we were being selfish focusing our efforts on getting the tactical systems upgraded.”

 

"I didn't say that, Richard." She said calmly. It was a very good thing that she had a very mild temper and was almost always calm. It she wasn't they would always be playing off eachother. Standing up she let her towel fall to the ground, then started to get dressed into the uniform she had pulled out.

 

“Then replicate another blanket then.” He said, tossing his clothing off and stepped into the shower. “I have enough demands from everyone on this station, the Klingons and the Erassains, without you adding to them”

 

She didn't say anything after he got into the shower. She wasn't hurt by his words, she knew how much stress he was under at the moment. Finishing getting dressed she went to the replicator getting a cup of coffee and making it how he liked it. She set in the bathroom for him with out saying anything before heading back into the main living area. She got some breakfast, having too. If she flew on an empty stomach she got sick.

 

Richard stepped out of the shower, and after drying himself off, noticed the mug of coffee. He sipped at it gladly, feeling the warmth of the java seep into his sleepy muscles and sluggish brain. He threw on a duty uniform and walked into the living area. “Thanks for the coffee.” He said.

 

 

"No problem." She said from the couch eating a bowl of oatmeal, which she had ordered hotter than normal. "Do you know where the pilots are going to be working on?" She asked currious. She was currious what she would have to do here, and she was tring to bring some conversation to the room rather than silence.::

 

“I’m detaching a combat wing to support Easy Company during their assault on Norris Eight.” Richard said. “They may need air support, and I want it on hand for when they do.”

 

"That will deffently give me something to do." She liked the idea, it would give her more than her fair share of action, and would allow her to do something she loved to do- fly.

"I've felt useless too long." She said finishing her breakfast and putting away her bowl.

 

Richard nodded. “Major Nolan will brief you when you arrive on the deck.” He said.

 

"I expect Nolan will." She said, watching him oddly. "Is there something wrong, Richard?"

 

“I just don’t like the thought of sending you into harms way.” He said, honestly. “I knew it would have to happen eventually, but doesn’t mean I have to like it any.”

 

"I can't have you saying that, Richard." Her voice was soft. She knew his late wife had been a Marine too, and had died that way. "Im a pilot, and I love it almost as much as I love you." She said watching him closely. She didn't like it when he had to leave and go in harms way when he was on duty but she knew it was what he did.

 

“I know, and I would never ask you to be anything else.” He said. “Just know that I do this with bitterness in my heart.”

 

"Im one of the best pilots around, Richard. Im not braging, Im just good." She said as she walked next to him. "Im going to be fine out there."

 

“I know.” He said, a weak smile on his face. “Amanda was the best damn marine under my command, and she still got herself killed. I consider myself one of the very best, and I still get shot up, slashed, blown up and usually chewed out by Harper on every mission I go on. Don’t expect me to like putting you in danger, but I’ll do it because it is my job and it is your job to do it.”

 

He put a hand on her arm. “In here, you’re just Chloe, my love and my desire. Out there, you’re Lieutenant Merau and I’m General Sharpe. Once I step out of this office, I won’t be allowed to focus on your plight directly, so let me have my moment with Chloe, instead of with Lieutenant Merau.”

 

Her arms slid over his shoulders, hugging him tightly. "I love you, Richard. Know that, and don't forget it." She said quietly, whispering it into his ear.

 

“I won’t.” He said, putting his arms around his fiancée, and planting a kiss on her lips. “Don’t you forget that I love you too.”

 

She kissed him, then pulled slightly away. "It's 0630, Richard." She had to be on duty in several moments. Moving toward the door, she gave a smile, "I will never forget."

 

=/\= End Log =/\=

 

MGen. Richard Sharpe

CO

1^st MEF

 

2d Lt. Chloe Merau

Pilot

501^st Air Group, 1^st MEF

 

 

[USS Chimera] SD 240908.27 || BRAVO || JL || Capt Rojac & Cmdr Wellington ||

[Ready Room - Deck One - USS Chimera-C]

Athena walked up to the Ready Room door and hit the chime.  She had a copy of her report on the padd in her hand as she awaited a response.

 

The response came as Rojac looked up toward the door, away from the reports he had been perusing through following his departmental inspections. He saw the elegant form of Commander Wellington pass through the threshold, and smiled as he reclined back into the soft leather of his office chair.

"Commander," He nodded, "It is good to see you. Please have a seat." He waved a free hand toward one of the pair of black leather chairs in front of his desk.

 

Athena walked in and took a seat as requested.  She waited patiently while the captain finished up the task he was working on. The Captain signed out of his terminal, and the desktop went blank - reverting back to a reflective black surface. "I suppose you are here to hand-in your report?"

"It would be the most likely action," she said as she handed him the padd.  "My department is working well but frustrated with delays even if they understand them.  Overall morale is only fair but acceptable with the work we are doing at least so far."

 

"Only acceptable?" Rojac's face showed his obvious concern. "I knew they wouldn't be too happy about heading behind enemy lines, but this is the SSF." He shook his head. "Are any particular crew causing any trouble?"

 

{Just Richard Cortez causing some ruffled feathers} She thought with a small sigh.  She had a debate with herself with how much more to bother the captain with.  "I guess I might have to question Major Cortez a bit."

"Cortez?" This peeked the Captain's interest. He scooted his chair closer to the desk and rested his arms atop the desk top. Cortez was about to embark on a highly sensitive demolitions mission on an unknown base. And he had just stolen an order of munitions from UNITY before their departure. "What about him, Commander?"

"Well, although its true he's been to see me he really hasn't completed his phsyc eval.  Mimi indicated that their session was to brief for her to make a recommendation and his visit with me seemed..."  {Don't say it was a big joke.  It would serve Richard right if he caught a little heat over wasting my time.}

 

"Seemed what?" Rojac asked. He was even more concerned now that Athena seemed to have difficultly describing the problem. When it came to her duties, the Commander was usually very straight forward and decisive.

 

"Well... he indicated an attachment to a fellow crew member in a high position," She finally decided on.

 

Rojac was taken aback. "An attachment? Already?" The Captain was puzzled. "He's only been back aboard for about a week? How could he develop an attachment so quickly?" His mind drifted, going over possibilities. "Unless it is an attachment to a crew member aboard that he used to work with..." He looked up at Athena and a sense of dawning understanding came over him. He remembered during his time under a Captain Guzman on the Chimera that Wellington and Cortez had been close - up until the crash on the LOST planet in the Spinward Marsh where brain damage caused Cortez to hold the Counselor and Commander Summers hostage for some time in a cave. Rojac was on the team that had rescued them. Was Cortez feeling some sort of guilt toward the Counselor for the incident and trying to make up for it?

"I think I understand now, Commander." Rojac said. "I give you permission to pass on his evaluation and forward it to a Junior Counselor."

Sensing that Cropa thought it was her she relied, "His attachment isn't with me...."

 

"It's not?" Rojac said, leaning back in his chair. "Who is it then?"

 

"He came to me wanting to talk about some disturbing dreams.... according to him they were ..."

 

Rojac was growing impatient now. "Commander. Stop stalling. If something is wrong with my CSec I need to know."

 

With a sigh she finally spit out, " He said that he was dreaming of you... as a lover and with his past.." her words fell off as she shrugged her shoulders.  She watched as the captain took the information in and waited until she sensed discomfort.

 

"What!?" Rojac sounded surprised. His eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

 

"Of course he did finally laugh hilariously making it a big joke and wasting my time."

At that, the Captain chuckled. "You had me going there for a while, Athena." He allowed himself a small smile. "So he wasn't cooperative in the session? Is that the major problem?"

"only that he hasn't been particularly cooperative in any session if he's made it to them."

Rojac was no eager to change the subject. "What about the other senior staff members? Are they ready for the mission - in your opinion?"

"Yes, they will all give their best and then some if they can or its the impression they're giving."

 

"Good." Rojac picked up the padd. "I will give this report a good reading. Thank you for dropping it off, Commander. Dismissed."

[End Log]

Captain Cropa Rojac
Commanding Officer

and

Commander Athena Wellington
Chief Counselor

USS Chimera NCC 96899-C

[USS Chimera] SD 240908.27 || DELTA || JL || MSarg Angel & Corp Nihlus || Deneva ||

[Lakan City - Deneva]

Corporal Nihlus was not your typical Vulcan non-com officer. Perhaps it was because he wasn't a full Vulcan, but half human as well. His genetic make-up was becoming increasingly more common in the centuries after first contact. But unlike the famous President Spock of the same genetic inheritance, Nihlus did not embrace his Vulcan heritage. Perhaps it was because his father used that famous Vulcan logic to justify his escape from a family life. No, that was more than likely the case.

Nihlus saw his father as a coward - a man, or Vulcan who used his job at the Vulcan science academy to get away from the responsibilities manifested in the form of himself and his mother. He didn't how up again until Nihlus was an adult, and expressed an interest in joining the Starfleet Corp. His father tried to convince him otherwise. Nihlus didn't listen.

Nihlus had spent the last ten years in the service. He'd worked under many young inexperienced Second and First Lieutenants that were in charge of his platoon. Sometimes he respected them, but most of the time he didn't. It was hard for the half-Vulcan to trust anyone who was stupider than he was. Yet, whenever he was offered a commissioned position he'd turn it down saying he didn't want the responsibilities.

His ten years of service earned him this sabbatical he was on now. He decide to spend the year on Deneva, one of the most pristine Federation worlds that wasn't as cliché as Risa. He found it hard to settle down after years in an SSF platoon, he was always looking over his shoulder, always planning a means of escape. And he was always armed.

It was because of this ingrained vigilance that he noticed the middle aged, six foot tall human with brown hair, brown eyes, and a militaristic demeanour two blocks behind him.

Nicholas watched with interest as the Vulcan Corporal moved along the busy street constantly looking around at all the best routes for a quick exit and also over his shoulder. He knew his demeanour had given him away when their eyes met and he smiled to himself realising that Nihlus would know he would know all the exits just as well. He stood and watched the man with interest; he wondered if he would be a suitable tactician for his team and just how he was going to convince him that undercover, classified, unsanctioned operations was the best step forward for his career.

He moved closer and tossed down the news PADD he had been pretending to read. Moving closer he could see that Nihlus was onto him, he knew Nicholas was after him. Nicholas didn't however know what was going to happen next. Nicholas was now just some feet away from the Corporal and decided to make an initial move to test him. "Corporal Nihlus… ATEN-SHUN!" he ordered as the crowds parted and watched the strange scene on this bustling high street.

Nihlus cast an annoyed glance over his shoulder at the proclamation. How does he know my name? He thought. Starfleet. He answered.

Not wanting his sabbatical to end early he darted to the left, through the parting crowds, and into the supermarket. Without looking back, Nihlus pushed past a line at a register and headed down the hygiene aisle. He looked to the left, and headed for the door marked "Employees Only" next to the dairy case.

Nicholas sighed, the Vulcan was going to make him run for no reason… he watched as the man darted into the shop. He wondered for a moment the likely route and broke out into a sprint chasing down the Vulcan flashing his Starfleet ID when the local security officers in the shop looked like they were going to stop him entering the restricted area. He arrived in the freight and packing area and looked around, obviously the Vulcan with his head start had moved on but where?

The Vulcan passed through the freight door, and hoped down the drop-off to the ramp below. It was here in this secluded alley, not in the middle of a busy street, where he decided to confront his stalker. He faced the door and crossed his arms.

Scanning the area Nicholas spotted several routes and then chose the one that a SSF operator would take; back out onto the street. Heading through the freight door he saw the Vulcan standing and waiting.

"Who are you?" Nihlus asked, cutting to the chase.

"You know, running from a senior officer is a court-martial offence Corporal. I know a lot about you, what you've done, what you want to do with your life. Tell me, what is so bad about responsibility that makes you run away from it?" he asked not answering the Vulcan's question directly.

Nihlus' eyes stared with intent at the man. "I'm not running from responsibility, I'm trying to enjoy my time off... sir." He tagged on the last bit with a healthy dose of sarcasm - highly unusual coming from someone who looked like a vulcan. "Forgive me if I'm not too keen on following the orders of a green L-T again. And how do you know what I want to do with my life, Mr. ---- "

"First mistake Corporal; you think I'm some fresh-faced Lieutenant here to draft you back to some waste-of-space platoon. My name is Nicholas Angel; I'm a Master Sergeant who; like you rejected the commissions time and time again to stay in the field and do something worthwhile. I've been doing that for the past twenty-six years so forgive me if I'm not too keen running after Corporals that think holiday is more important than service" he replied coldly. "I have a job offer for you" he said tossing a PADD over which simply read 'Do you want to make a real difference in Special Forces?' and then gave the options of 'yes' or 'no'. "Think long and hard Corporal, your decision will shape your future" he added.

Nihlus looked at the PADD and laughed "Is this a joke?" He asked. The smirk looked unsettling nest to the pointy ears. "You hand me this padd with the vaguest expression known to the galaxy and expect me to make what you say is a career changing decision?" The smirk disappeared; replaced again by a more conventional no-nonsense expression. "Sorry if I seem a bit sceptical, Master Sergeant what's-your-face, but it would be illogical to make a decision with so little information."

"That's why I'm hoping your human side will take over and you will make a decision. Yes and your future changes dramatically and your career reaches new heights… you say no and your holiday continues, you go back to serving in those same-old platoons with fresh-faced lieutenants and never really make anything of yourself… your choice… yes or no" he said simply.

"Excuse me!" The Supermarket manager appeared at the backdoor. "I don't know what the hell you guys are doing, but I'm going to have to ask you to leave the premises before I call the police." The balding man held his hands on his hips in an attempt to look authoritative. 

Nicholas turned on his heel to face the Supermarket manager. "It's fine, we're from Starfleet Security and we were running surprise security control tests on business premises most likely to be targeted by Romulan assault teams… our report indicates that if they are likely to attack it will be hard, fast and most likely premises that provide necessary services to populations like your own… you failed" he lied.

The balding man's hands fell to the side, in unison with his jaw. He stammered, "Uh... Uh... I did?"

"Yes." Nihlus said, adopting a more monotone vulcan cadence. "We will require copies of your latest security inspection by Lakan City Police. Will you please retrieve it for us?"

"Yeah. Sure." The man nervously rubbed the top of his shiny cranium. "One minute," he called back as he waddled off.

Once he was out of sight Nihlus turned back to the Sergeant. The emotion was back in his voice, "If this turns out to be a boring desk job I'm out. And if I have to babysit some commissioned greenie fresh out of Quantico I'm putting him in orbit without an EVA."

Nicholas chuckled. "I run a team called Division Delta, undercover and officially non-existent. We're an SSFI team attached to the 1^st Task Force that deal with all black operations that Special Forces Intelligence feels we need to undertake – we go where Starfleet cant be seen to act using the latest technology. We have bases on the colony world below Starbase Unity and one masked base on the Starbase itself. Only the 1^st Task Force Command Team and the SSFI Liaison Officer know of our true purpose, and on the records we're an SSFI Training Division… we also have a shop on the Starbase…" he said smiling "This is far from a desk job" he said. "Oh… there are no officers involved. It's my team, there's a Sergeant and four Corporals" he added.

"Good." Nihlus smirked. "But I must warn you... I'm difficult to handle."

[End Log]

Master Sargeant Nicholas Angel

Commanding Officer

and

Corporal Nihlus

Tactician

Division Delta

[USS Chimera] ||Bravo|| SD240809.26 Joint Duty Log || Captain Rojac + Major Cortez

=/-\= USS CHIMERA / CSEC OFFICE =/-\=

Major Richard Cortez, Chief of Security on board the USS Chimera stood silently in front of the window in his office.  He often enjoyed staring out into space, it seemed he appreciated it more now than he once had.  In his right hand was a small cup of coffee.  That was another thing, he enjoyed the smell it made more than its taste, the caffeine had little or no effect on him it seemed.  His mind drifted to the upcoming mission, he was afraid that his team wouldn't be ready for it.  If he had the ability he would have backed out of the entire thing,  but he had his orders and he wasn't the type to question them.

Suddenly the doorbell chime sounded off interrupting Richard's thoughts.  Twisting around he glanced at the monitor on his desk with an image of the ships Captain standing at his door.  "Captain Rojac", he said outloud, "please enter."

The Captain crossed through the now open threshold, and found the Major seated at his desk. "Major Cortez," he greeted his CSec with a nod, "am I catching you at a bad time?" Rojac crossed the room toward the chair opposite Richard's.

"Of course not, Sir", Cortez answered.  

"What's on your mind, Major?" Rojac asked.

Straight to the point.  Good.  "Two Things", he answered.  "First is regarding the away mission.  Does Lt. Major Shao have operational control over me and my men", it was the nicest way he could think of to ask if that frigid bitch was going to be in charge.  "And second,  I can't help but feel that there is something I'm not being told, maybe I'm just paranoid, but it doesn't make sense to send a demo team in when we could just bombard the place from a distance".  

"You two are leading two separate missions. She has no control over your team, Major." Rojac answered his first questions. It was no secret, the Captain could tell by Richard's body language that he didn't think too highly of Major Shao - and to tell the truth, Rojac wasn't too impressed with her either. "I'm telling you everything I know, Major." The Captain assured him. "We're heading into a fight with an enemy base, and there is a very high possibility that the Chimera is going to be too busy fending off warbirds to concentrate on the base itself. You're the ace in the hole, Major. The gap insurance."

Richard nodded.  "In that case here's the list of men I wanted to take with me, per your approval of course.  I'll be leaving Lieutenant Castillo in charge of security while I'm off ship", he slid a PADD containing the names and profiles of each of the four men, Cadet Elbrum, Sergent Jones, Petty Officer Barnes and Corporal Rivers.  "Not exactly a list of ODA operators, but they are all capable", he wondered how the Captain would feel about taking a Cadet fresh from the Academy.

"Your taking Cadet Elbrun?" Rojac asked, slightly surprised. "He just came aboard, and you're already that impressed? I don't remember you being that impressed when I first came aboard."

"His empathic and telepathic abilities may come in handy", Cortez smiled.  "Romulans are a tricky bunch, he's my", he paused, looking for the right words,  "Ace in the hole".

"I see." Rojac nodded, holding back a small grin. "And do you think Mr. Castillo is ready to lead your department while you're gone. Your initial evaluation reports did not seem very complementary." 

"He's the ranking officer", Cortez continued.  "Its his job.  I think he's just waiting for a chance to prove himself, this would be his chance.  Besides, he has you to look after him and me to deal with if he screws up.  I think that's enough motivation for him to hold his mud".

"Well," Rojac stood, "if you're happy with it, then I'll just have to trust your judgement." He pulled down on his jacket, "Let me see the armory, Major. I hear you got in an upgraded shipment of armor piercing mass-driver assault riles."

Richard laughed as he stood up,  "That's one good thing about the SF, we seem to get the best toys".

=/-\= END LOG =/-\=


Captain Cropa Rojac
CO
USS CHIMERA

Major Richard Cortez
CSEC
USS CHIMERA

[USS Chimera] 240908.26 ||SB 234: UNITY|| NPC Duty Log, Capt. Trent Rodgers

=Trent Rodgers' Quarters=
=Starbase UNITY=
 
As Trent entered his bedroom late that evening from a long day of work, he was in a more pleasant mood than normal. Guzman had returned that evening on the Qashqai, meaning that in the morning, all of the CO duties that Trent had inherited in the admiral's absence would no longer be his. It wasn't that Trent hated the responsibility. In fact, he enjoyed it to an extent. But he was not a big fan of administrative work. Nor did he enjoy the constant, or what seemed like constant, calls from starfleet.
 
Yes, Trent was extremely pleased to have the admiral back.
 
After changing into a T-shirt and pair of shorts, he grabbed a bottle of vodka that he hadn't touched since he arrived on UNITY and poured himself a glass. He lad the glass on small table beside his bed before going over to the closet and pulling out his guitar. He sat up at the head of the bed and tuned the guitar before taking a drink. After the guitar was tuned, he began to play.
 
"Damn, I'm rusty," he muttered to himself as tried to play a classic from the 20th century, Prince's "Purple Rain".
 
He kept at it until he finally satisified with the music coming from the instrument. He finished that song from start to finish before taking another drink. He played a few more before he started to doze off.
 
"... to Captain Rodgers."
 
"Huh, what?" Trent said, not realizing that he had fallen asleep with the guitar still in his lap. "Captain Rodgers here. What is it?"
 
"Sir, there has been an explosion in one of the explosive cargo bays."
 
Trent was no longer feeling a little groogy, but fully alert,
 
"When?"
 
"A few minutes ago, sir."
 
"How bad?"
 
"Very bad, sir. Many casualties."
 
Trent's mind started racing on the many possible scenarios as he hopped out of bed.
 
"Accidental?" Trent asked, having a bad feeling that he knew the answer.
 
"No, sir. It was from a grenade of non-Federation design. Engineering, medical and security teams have already been dispatched."
 
"Understood. Has Commo ... Admiral Guzman been informed?" Trent said, already changing into a fresh uniform.
 
"Yes, sir."
 
"What about Lieutenant Mumacik?"
 
"He was at that location just before the explosion occurred. We haven't heard from him since the explosion."
 
Trent headed for the door.
 
"Very well. I want security on full alert," Trent said, knowing that this could just be the beginning. "I also want all starbase department heads awaken and informed of the situation. I'm on my way to Cargo Bay 3 now."
 
"Aye, sir," came the response just as Trent exited his quarters and quickly walked to the nearest turbolift.
 
 
 
Captain Trent Rodgers (npc by Rick)
XO, 1st TF, SSF Command
XO, SB 234: UNITY

---

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[USS Chimera] [Backlog] ||Bravo|| SD240809.26 Joint Duty Log - Lt/Sgt CEO/QM Gustav Kroitzer and Vera Drake (NPC)

 [Deck 2, Cargo bay 2 - USS Chimera C]

Vera (NPC) was using a monitor to monitor the installations of the
armour that Lt Kroitzer was working on so far it was going smoothly
but she noticed that some of the connections weren't quite connecting,
"Lt I'm picking up that some of the connections aren't fully
connecting." Vera said tapping a few buttons to get a better look at
which ones.

"Roger that Sgt I'll get on it right away" Gustav said getting
frustrated with the armour plating already and the fitting was the
easy bit.

While Vera waited to hear back from Gustav and his team she went to
monitor the other teams one of the other teams was having the same
issue as Gustav's team was having. Which was definitely slowing work
down but if it wasn't corrected it wouldn't work and the mission would
fall apart.

To get the connections perfect Gustav and his team had to remove the
plate and realign it so when they lower it down onto the hull it
connects properly, after it was done Gustav contacted Drake "How's it
looking from your end now Sgt".

"Alright all connections are made." Vera said running a diagnostic on
the plates that were just re-attached, "alright the next set of plates
should be placed 4 meters to your right." Vera said looking at the
schematics for the outside of the ship, which was proving very useful
for where the plates needed to be placed.

"My team and I will head over there now" he said while thinking to
himself {how many times do I have to walk out on the hull}.

After arriving to the desired point on the hull Gustav contacted Drake
"That's my team in position Sgt, we're ready for the plates".

"Alright the plates should be there in 45 seconds and I'm sending you
the coordinates for the connections right now." Vera said tapping a
few buttons to make sure they've the right connections. It's been
almost 6 hours and they're not even close to half way done. Vera
turned to one of her assistants, "I need you to push the other teams
we're falling behind." Vera said.

"I see the armour coming and have the locations of connections, once
I'm done with this one I'll go around the other teams and check on
there progress, but if you remember we do have a few hours extra to
spare and I'd rather take some time if need be to make sure everything
is done correctly" he responded sharply. 

"Copy that." Vera said knowing that everything needs to work and if
they need to continue to work on it right up to when they needed to
leave then that's what would happen. "Heads up looking at these
connections points it looks like it's going to be tricky if it is
possible I would like to go one connection point at a time and make
sure it's connected and then move onto the next one." Vera said
looking over the schematic.

Doing one connection at a time worked well although it did take
slightly longer to do it did mean that all the connections were
correct first time.

"All connections made, I'll let you co-ordinate the next plate for
this team while I move on to see how the others are doing" Gustav said
to Drake.

"Good." Vera said marking off another area done but doing one
connection at a time was taking more time then Vera was liking but
when they got done with an area it was done right and knowing that
they wouldn't have to go back and use up more time fixing it.

Gustav made his way to were the other teams were working and went
around them one by one to find out what was taking them so long to fit
the stealth plating, he found out that much like his team it was
trying to get the connections correct all at once, so he told them to
do as his team had done and go for one connection at a time, making
sure they were correct before attaching the plate to the hull.

"Gustav to Drake, that should be all the teams getting up to speed".

"Alright we're all updated here once all teams finish there areas I
want you to come in we need a break before we continue on I don't want
any mistakes with getting the armour attached or any accidents." Vera
said looking at the clock and noticing at how long they've been out
there working.

"Roger that" Gustav responded noticing that the teams had been hard at
it for at least 10 hours with no break.

"I'll have the secondary teams ready to head out once you get back
in." Vera said knowing that she was going to need to take a break as
well. "Sergeant you should take a break as well." One of the PO1 said
walking over to give her a report from the other teams.

"I will once I get the secondary teams first armour attached." Vera
said taking the PADD to look over it and stifling a yawn.

After the had finished the last peace of armour Gustav ordered all
personnel back on-board the work bees for a much needed break, but
told them that after their break was over everyone would be back hard
at it.

Vera looked up at the count down they still had one more full day
before they departed but she still had that worried feeling that they
might not make it. But she pushed that thought aside and turned to
face the secondary team, "alright we'll have you work for 4 to 6 hours
which hopefully we'll get a lot done in that time." Jade said as she
turned back to the monitor making sure everything was going smoothly.

"Gustav to Drake, that's all the teams finished their respective
sections and we're heading back for that break you mentioned".

"Alright once you land the secondary teams will take over and we'll
get a 4 to 6 hour break for food and rest." Vera said starting to
sound like a drill sergeant which she did do for a short while before
getting to go into space and act as the quartermaster she preferred
this job over the drill sergeant job.

"Roger that" Gustav said in response.

After the break the primary team returned to their work the secondary team got about a 1/4 of plating done which meant they still had about half of it and they had about 32 hours to get the rest done. 13 hours in they got another 1/4 done which gave them 19 hours to get the last 1/4 done which was going to be the hardest section Vera decided that having the secondary team out there as well would make it easier. 2 hours left they had finished placing the last plate and with that done Vera decided to run an extensive diagnostic which would eat up about an 1 hr and 45 min which didn't give them much time to adjust anything but at least all the plates were attached to the ship. Luckily the diagnostic showed that everything was attached and was in working order. "Alright good job everyone." Vera said stifling a yawn chances were she and her team would be the last one out just to make sure they had everything they brought.

Lieutenant Gustav Kroitzer

Chief Engineer Officer

USS Chimera C

&

Sergeant Vera Drake (NPC)

Quarter Master

USS Chimera C (apb Aza)

-- 
Aza -- UCIP SIMMer

[USS Chimera] || UNITY || SD 240908.26, Joint Duty Log, COUNS & SEC, 2nd Lieutenant Mnemosyme Nyx & LT. Mumacik

"shane.guzman@mojwap.sk" <shane.guzman@mojwap.sk> wrote to chimera@ucip.org:

=/\= Unity: Near Explosives cargo bay 3, Military area
=/\=

Mnemosyme should have been sleeping but instead her
overactive mind didn't seem to be allowing her to rest. She
had decided to go jogging around the military decks... this
is one time where being a marine definitely was paying off.
She had an open yet sort of secluded place to jog;
especially at this time. She had been careful to avoid
guarded areas, but as she rounded the corner she was shaken
violently.

Like everyone else, Mumacik too has been too slow to react
– and to prevent the marine Corporal from detonating his
bomb. The last thing that went through his head before all
went black was the question – how did the marine managed
to smuggle a bomb inside a secure area?

Mnemosyme barely managed to stay on her feet as she seemed
to bounce from one wall to the other and back. She kept
moving quickly making her way to where the commotion seemed
to be coming from. Rounding another couple of corners in
the maze like corridors, she came upon a sight that she
wasn't quite expecting and the amount of smoke filling the
hallway made it seem all the more dangerous. She crouched
low and started moving into the fray.

The front of Explosives cargo bay 3 looked like an
earthquake centre. The explosion was not vast, but powerful
enough to inflict considerable damage to all walls, the
massive cargo bay door included. From the 10 persons present
at the time of detonation, nine were dead, a single man
still barely alive.

Coming across a body she checked for a pulse. It seemed
like minutes ticked away before she finally felt a light and
seemingly slow beat. {Slower than a bunch of kids learning
a waltz.} Briefly she scans the man's features and realized
that she had seen the security officer around. Noting the
wound on his head; she let her fingers linger over it while
she tried to make out what else was going on.

All was dark and his head empty. Not only without any
emotion (what was normal), but without any thought at all.
Only holy gurus of the highest grade could ever achieve this
stare … without being at the door step of Death's realm.

It wasn't until her wrist was clamped firmly that she
realized the wound was looking much better. {Oh, Damn!}

Slowly like water filling a lake by drops, Mumacik's mind
filled with thought again. His neurons started to work
again, his central nerve system started to send and receive
impulses. Maybe it was a mistake, cause Mumacik felt the
most intensive pain for eternity …

Out of nowhere, the pain grew less and he could feel more
then just a pain. Mumacik opened his eyes, but he saw all
like through a crimson layer. Not seeing who or what was
around, he said in hardly a human's voice: "I am Lieutenant
Mumacik, Chief of fleet level security. Please identify
yourself"

"Second Lieutenant Nyx."

Mumacik's encyclopedia memory kicked in, he remembered the
counselor. "Are we still in front of Explosives cargo bay
3?" he asked.

"I guess that's what it is," she responded. {Relax a
little} she thought as the circulation in her hand seemed to
be slowed severely or halted.

"I have to warn you" he managed to say with lot of effort,
"that there might be a criminal element around." He could
not speak more and explain the whereabouts.

"OK," Nym reassured, "where do you think you're hurt?"

Mumacik mumbled some words, but not even he could recognize
what he was saying.

His response was even quieter as than his warning. Blood
suddenly rushed back into circulation as he released her
wrist. "Emergency transport to sickbay for two," she
commanded.

He realized Nyx's words and knew instantly that she won't
succeed. They were just in the wrong place …
Only a dismal bleep answered her. She looked around and
realized she was in an area that didn't directly allow
transporting or she was lost and the explosion did more
damage than what it looked like it did which was already
terrible. She released a sigh and tried to lift the man
laying on the ground, but he was a bit more than she could
lift and still stay on her feet. A small sound behind her
and to the left had her turning and drawing her phaser in
one smooth movement. Finding nothing she looked through the
debris and found some rope and a large section of canvas.

Unable to move, Mumacik could not help Nyx in her efforts He
could feel his arms or feets, but for some reason he could
not move. He was in a sort of 'freeze' status.

With her make-shift stretcher ready she laid it beside the
security officer and rolled him onto it. Nym wiped her
brow, scanned the area around her one more time and then
picked up her end of the ropes and started down the
corridor.

"Move, move, move" called Sergeant Armstrong, leader of the
security team send to investigate the explosion in front of
Explosives cargo bay 3. Operations alerted his team 2
minutes ago. Since the target area was protected by
transport inhibitors, they could not beam directly there …
but were beamed several corridors away – about 1 km from
the explosion area. An engineering team was on the way as
well, but security had to secure the area first.

Mnemosyme was aware of noises ahead of her and remembering
Mumacik warning, she held her phaser in her hand at the
ready.

Just 500 meters left. All the marines were running, except
for the backup team, some 50 meters behind – just for all
cases. Wearing medium combat armour, the run was not an easy
one, especially when you hold your gun in front and ready to
shoot. Such an explosion could be just an accident … but
something more dangerous as well.

The noises were getting louder and Nym found herself slowing
when approaching intersections and carefully peek around the
corners. When determined all was safe she would quickly or
as quickly as she could clear the open areas and continue to
her destination. Her progress wasn't very far yet and the
destruction still was very evident.

Finally, the security team arrived just at the last corner
and it was there were Sergeant Armstrong gave the command
for his team to spread out and be ready for possible
resistance. The whole place looked QUITE a mess, even for
veterans. Seeing a person clad in teal uniform, Armstrong
called: "This is security, stay calm and identify yourself!"

{Hope they're the good guys} she thought as she took aim but
answered, "Second Lieutenant Nyx."

Armstrong looked at the hand made 'cart' with some amazement
and once he's got a nod that the area is secure, he motioned
towards two of his marines. They walked over to Nyx and took
the burned from his hands. The unlucky guy lying there did
not look very good. It was the infamous LT. Mumacik, but
Armstrong had the feeling that he won't bother any officer
or civilian about security protocols for a long time.

Nym allowed the marines to finish what they were doing but
her seemingly relaxed posture was anything but as thoughts
of the warning she received early still ran through her
head. If It hadn't been for the obvious protocols that she
recognized she would have shot first and asked questions
later. "He needs transported to sickbay ASAP."

The Sergeant nodded and motioned the two marines, who easily
took the cart. One of them contacted operations and asked
for medical emergency transport as soon as they leave the
transporter inhibitor protected area. It was just a meter
before the next corner when the Mumacik and his two
companions were beamed away.

Half of the security team was already securing the area,
scanning for more explosives, structural damage and
examining the nine dead bodies. Sergeant Armstrong came
towards Nyx and asked: "Ma'am, I must ask you how did you
came here and how it is that you dragged the wounded officer
away. If you require medical attention, that can be handled
as well". He seemed somewhat relaxed, after all, there were
good 10 marines around him and Nyx, not counting another 10
just several meters away, plus the backup team of 5 just
behind.

=/\= End Log =/\=

2nd Lieutenant Mnemosyme Nyx
Jr. Counselor
SB: 234 Unity

&

LT. Mumacik (NPC by Muma)
Chief of fleet level security
SB 234: UNITY

&

NPCs by Muma